Senior GNC Engineer

Grid Aero; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Grid.aero in the United States seeks a GNC Engineer to own and evolve the Flight Controls architecture, guiding design through flight test and deployment. You will work with avionics, systems, and software teams to shape long-term technical direction and ensure robust, scalable control solutions.

This role applies deep GNC expertise to a mission-driven aerospace company focused on reliability and growth. If you’re driven to take complex systems to the next level and mentor teams on software

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Guidance Navigation and Control algorithm development for fixed-wing aircraft.
• Expertise with design, stability analysis, and simulation of PID and total energy-based control systems using MATLAB/Simulink.
• Experience with flight testing of GNC algorithms and decision-making algorithms for DAA strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop modular and scalable flight control and decision-making algorithms and their simulation framework for Grid’s platform.
• Create control system modules in Simulink and/or C/C++ and help integrate them into the overall system.
• Evaluate stability and performance characteristics of control systems using simulation and flight test data, by using a CI/CD and automating analyses to the extent possible.
• Participate in test planning, execution and post-test analysis of aircraft
• Participate in cross-functional discussions about Grid’s product and mentor teams on software standards and best practices.
• Assist with the integration of computer vision, AI/ML for DAA and mission optimization, and AI-based pre/post-flight assessments.

Skills

GNC algorithm development

PID control design

MATLAB/Simulink

C/C++

Python

Flight testing

Sensor calibration

Data-driven control

Tools

Simulink

CI/CD tooling

Job description

Grid.aero is building the next generation of autonomous aviation systems for defense and commercial applications. Led by experienced aerospace and technology operators and backed by leading venture investors, we solve hard operational problems at the intersection of autonomy, resilient logistics, and scalable air mobility. We move quickly, operate with urgency, and build systems designed for real-world deployment where small teams own meaningful problems end-to-end.

Read this, we mean it → Above all, we look for exceptional builders with deep internal drive, massive throughput, hopeless optimism, and a relentless growth mindset. The people who thrive at Grid operate with urgency, learn quickly, adapt fast, and are energized by hard problems with no obvious answers. We value individuals who continuously push themselves and the team around them to improve.

This is an opportunity to work on products with national and global impact alongside a collaborative team that values technical excellence, execution, and mission focus.

Role Overview:

We are seeking a GNC Engineer to play a critical leadership role in advancing Grid.aero’s flight control and guidance systems. In this position, you will own and evolve the Flight Controls architecture across the platform, driving technical excellence from design through flight test and operational deployment.

As a member of the engineering team, you will work closely with cross-functional partners including avionics, systems, and software to mature our technology. You will have significant influence over technical direction, processes, and long‑term roadmap decisions.

This role offers the opportunity to apply deep GNC expertise to a mission‑driven aerospace company that has moved beyond inception and is focused on execution, reliability, and growth. If you’re motivated by taking complex systems to the next level and shaping high‑impact products at scale, we’d love to hear from you.

What You’ll Do:

• Develop modular and scalable flight control and decision‑making algorithms and their simulation framework for Grid’s platform.
• Create control system modules in Simulink and/or C/C++ and help integrate them into the overall system.
• Evaluate stability and performance characteristics of control systems using simulation and flight test data, by using a CI/CD and automating analyses to the extent possible.
• Participate in test planning, execution and post‑test analysis of aircraft
• Participate in cross‑functional discussions about Grid’s product and mentor teams on software standards and best practices.
• Assist with the integration of computer vision, AI/ML for DAA and mission optimization, and AI‑based pre/post‑flight assessments.

Key Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in Guidance Navigation and Control algorithm development for fixed‑wing aircraft
• Expertise with design, stability analysis, and simulation of PID and total energy‑based control systems using MATLAB/Simulink
• Experience with flight testing of GNC algorithms and decision‑making algorithms for DAA strongly preferred
• Familiarity with sensor calibration and noise characterization methods
• Familiarity with C/C++ and python
• Familiarity with adaptive control algorithms and data‑driven control algorithms preferred.

Compensation: $140k -$200k / 0.1-0.3% Equity

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Grid.aero is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Legal Notice:

Grid.aero is committed to complying with U.S. export control laws. Due to the nature of our work, candidates must be U.S. persons (U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).